Donald "Don" Kulesa

Donald “Don” Kulesa, age 82, of Cottage Grove, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 12, 2023.

Donald Duane Kulesa was born June 14, 1940, to parents Anthony and Anna (nee Gruby) in Waubay, South Dakota. He was the third of seven children. He was drafted and proudly served in the US Army. After returning from the service, Don moved to Cottage Grove, Minnesota, where he lived with his sister, Adeline and her husband, John and family. He met his future bride of 45 years, Barbara Ann Rooney, while visiting a bowling alley that he enjoyed.  

Don’s first job was in carpentry and later got a position working in the Super America Warehouse. He worked at the warehouse as a warehouseman until it closed, allowing him to retire early. He then volunteered for several years at Stone Soup Thrift Store in Cottage Grove. He was a faithful and active parish member for many years at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and enjoyed giving back to his community in many different ways.  

Don enjoyed putzing around the house, working in the yard, and was an avid walker. He kept his cars in pristine condition; he loved and knew everything about cars including their make and models. His grace and kindness will be deeply missed by all that knew him.  

He is preceded in death by parents, Anthony and Anna; sisters, Adeline Rumpca and Anne Sorsen; brother-in-law, Bill Wilde; great niece, Jessica Rumpca; and mother-in-law, Betty Auger. 

He is survived by devoted wife, Barbara; siblings, Florence Wilde, Jane (Tom) Johnson, Anthony (Joanna), and Ralph (Colleen); sisters-in-law, Patricia Rooney and Linda Rooney; brother-in-law, Tom Rooney; godchildren, Lisa Robles, Joe Wilde, and Deb Skogstad; and special Rumpca family; John, Jeff (DeeAnn), Greg (Lori), and Brian (Amy); many nieces; nephews; family; and friends.  

Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM, Thursday, April 20, 2023 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 920 Holley Ave., St. Paul Park, MN 55071. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Cemetery.